Trivia: Chocolate and Health

from Madrid Agribusiness Digest Feb 2009 Vol.19 No.10

• Chocolate has rich antioxidants which can help prevent conditions such as cancer and heart disease
• It can enhance our immune system and give a feeling of well-being
• Cocoa contains one of the highest natural sources of magnesium, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health and hypertension.
• Cocoa contains antioxidant compound called polyphenols, including the procyanidins epicatechin and catechin. The amount of polyphenols in milk chocolate is equivalent to that of five servings of fruits and vegetables.

Measurement of polyphenol content in 1.25 ounces of cocoa products:

• Milk Chocolate: 300 mg
• Dark Chocolate: 700 mg
• Cocoa Powder: 1,300 mg 

Chocolate and Our Health

Few facts about how Chocolate affects our health...

Chocolate causes tooth decay?

Fact:

Forget everything your mother ever told you about how eating too many chocolates will give you cavities. Scientists now believe the length of time food stays in your mouth, not its sugar content, is what causes cavities. Chocolate leaves your mouth relatively quickly- it’s the things that get stuck in there that are the problem, like crackers, cookies or dried fruit. Studies suggest that dark chocolate and cocoa may actually be good for dental health because flavanol antioxidants and other compounds in cocoa and chocolate slow the build-up of plaque.

Chocolate causes hyperactivity?

Fact:

Blame the clown. Birthday parties cause hyperactivity – not the chocolate that’s served. Studies that specifically tested chocolate failed to show any relationship between eating it and hyperactive behavior in children. It is believed the high-stimulus environment in which sugary foods are eaten, such as a birthday party, is what affects behavior.

from : http://chocwisdom.wordpress.com/choco-facts/